It seems that several questions keep popping up over and over again. I don't mind answering the same questions multiple times (and it makes me look smarter than I am), but I thought it might be fun if we compiled a list of the most frequently answered topics. Here's some that I find myself answering:
- Currency speculation is the same as gambling. You'll lose more often then you'll win.
- ATMs, for most travelers, offer the best exchange rates.
- Remember to factor the effects of jetlag into your first day of traveling.
- Unless visiting on a cruise, use a travel agent for a trip to Russia.
- The tap water in most of Europe is safe to drink.
- Handwashing is the single most effective action a traveler can take to prevent infections.
- The tourist sights in London and Paris are spread out over a large area, so there is no one best "central" location to stay.
- Don't drive in major European cities unless you absolutely have to.
- The road systems in France, Germany and Switzerland (outside of the cities) are some of the best, easiest to navigate in the world.
- London, Mont St. Michel, the D Day beaches and the Loire Valley can all techinally be reached as a daytrip from Paris, but not recommended.
- Stay the night on Mont St. Michel and visit the abbey first thing in the morning.
- You need either a car or a bus tour to explore the Loire Valley.
- The best location for a large "locals only" hangout in Europe is the Oude Markt in Leuven.
- If in Brussels or Bruges, try Moeder Babelutte chocolate.
- Don't go out of your way to visit the Berner Oberland during the shoulder season.
- Most of Europe (or at least, most of the places people on this forum are likely to visit) has a surprisingly mild climate compared to the US and Canada.
- You don't have to go to Switzerland to see amazing Alpine scenery.
- cont.
Posted by
OP
Danville, VT
12040 posts
(cont):
- Visit Vilnius before it becomes overrun with tourists like Prague.
- Very few travelers will ever require heavy winter boots while in Europe.
- Wear shorts if you want to!
- If a restaurant or hotel is listed in Rick's books, prepare to meet more Rickniks than locals (watch for the Blue Book Sign).
- Although I like Rick's books, don't rely exclusively on them for research (particularly if visiting Germany).
- Lindau is one of the most beautiful towns that most Americans bypass. Be sure to stop here at least briefly if traveling between Switzerland and Germany.
- Unless you are a very sound sleeper, limit your use of night trains.
- "Normandy" is a large region of France, not a single destination (usually answered in response to the question "Can I visit Normandy as a daytrip from Paris?").
OK, that's all I can think of for now.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32363 posts
Tom,
You certainly raised an important point! It's too bad the HelpLine didn't have a FAQ's section, as I'm sure it would be very useful to a lot of travellers (especially first-timers).
Before asking ANY questions here, prospective travellers should be REQUIRED to read Europe Through The Back Door, as that answers so MANY of the common questions.
Some of the other topics that seem to be repeatedly posted here are the issue of Plug Adapters and Voltage Converters and also using Cell Phones in Europe (eg: which travel SIM should I buy, which network is the best to use, etc.).
I'm not too familiar with web page design or HTML, but I wonder how difficult it would be to add a "sticky" at the top of each section?
One thing I'd like to clarify is that I'm not complaining - I really don't mind answering questions to help other travellers.
Cheers!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23642 posts
While I think this would be an excellent idea, a lot of people who post question think that their questions is the first time the question is being asked so don't bother to look for prior questions on their subject. Some people are just too lazy to do any homework. "I am going to Germany in three week, what should I see?" There is no hope for those folks.
And then there are the questions with no answers -- when can I get the cheapest airline ticket? the best restaurant in Rome? What will the weather be when I get to Paris on June 8th?
Posted by
OP
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Certainly. I thought this would just be a fun exercise, not any kind of permanent reference.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Another FAQ is whether it's better to rent a car or use public transportation in Ireland.
What I hate is any question that wants to know if such-and-such is "worth it" to do or see. Whether something is "worth it" is up the individual -- one of those unanswerable questions for us.
Posted by
OP
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Oh, one more: If driving in Germany, be sure to visit the town of Ausfahrt -recommend that one next time someone asks "What should I see in Germany?"
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Tom, that town must be very popular, it seemed that I saw that sign at every autobahn exit.:)
Posted by
Petaluma, Northern California
345 posts
"And don't drive in Florence!" she screamed. Oh, sorry. I don't know what came over me...
Anyway, you have channeled my thoughts. I am AMAZED that people ask about renting a car in Ireland every other day! Whas up? Identical questions about ATMs; and Cash vs. Credit come up so frequently they are only a few posts apart on the first page. It's weird. It also dilutes the quality of the discussion because I don't think I'm the only one who doesn't want to litter the board daily with identical responses. So some good responsed are in one thread, others are in the thread that is oh, so 15 minutes old.
The solution is multi-faceted. First no one uses the search engine. Weird. I lurked on this board for years learning before ever posting a thing. (um, guess I'm making up for lost time now...) I never asked a question because they had all been asked and answered before I thought to inquire. Second, the search function is not very good (but I used it anyway.) I think that's becoming more problematic as the volume of information is multiplying. Third, I relied on the Graffiti Wall, which as you all (was it Jo?) pointed out is outdated and cluttered. But, nontheless, people don't even try to peruse it before posting a question. Fourth, I don't mind basic, or even "unanswerable" questions, though I tend to ignore them because I don't have enough knowledge. But, some of them seem weird as if though they haven't glanced at a guide book. "Should I rent a car to drive around Rome?" "I'm leaving for europe next month, how do I get money? Should I take dollars with me or travelers' checks?" ay, yi, yi! I don't mean to be unkind, I don't mind helping, but I do worry for them! What a horrible stressful trip they will have.
OK. I vented.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19284 posts
I find I answer the same questions about German Rail a lot, z.B., what's a Bayern-Ticket, what's the least expensive way to get from FRA to Munich, how do you get to Dachau, etc. A few years ago, I started my own website (www.germantravel-info.com) just to answer those questions. I've since added some none-rail-travel subjects like ATMs and electrical (adapters, converters). Of course, it seems every question is asked a little differently, so I end up writing an answer anyway. Oh, well.
However, I don't think I will add most of the subject you mention. Go for it.
And, I agree. Lindau is beautiful and not known by most Americans, but that can be said about a host of sites in Germany. Isn't it amazing that most American go to the same "out of the way" places.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8123 posts
With just about any BB I have been on, the main complaint is people who do not read the FAQ, if there is one. So maybe, a FAQ would just be another level of frustration. I have considered though, compiling my own library of canned answers for quick posting and saving my fingers in the response to the common questions.